Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh has recorded a substantial increase in female labour force participation over the past six years, according to the newly released Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Index. The state’s participation rate has climbed from 14% in 2017-18 to 36% in 2023-24, marking a notable 22 percentage point increase.
The figures point to a structural shift in gender dynamics within the state’s labour market. While still trailing the national average of 45%, UP’s gains outpace many other states in year-on-year growth.
Several factors appear to have contributed to this progress. Programs targeting women’s skilling, employment facilitation, and inclusion in traditionally male-dominated sectors have increased accessibility to work, particularly in rural areas. The rise is also linked to policy measures such as Mission Shakti, the expansion of self-help groups, and efforts to improve workplace safety and mobility.
The Labour Department reports that women now account for over 53% of registrations on the national e-Shram portal from Uttar Pradesh. In the construction sector alone, women make up 34.65% of the workforce an unusual but growing trend in a sector once dominated by male labour.
In a major regulatory shift, Uttar Pradesh has lifted restrictions that earlier barred women from working in 29 hazardous category factories. Previously allowed in only 12, and later 16 categories, women can now work across all sectors, provided employers meet safety and health standards.
Additionally, permission for night shift work with safeguards like transport and rest provisions has expanded job opportunities in round the clock sectors such as manufacturing and services.
UP’s government backed self-help group model has also gained traction, with over 10 lakh groups formed and more than 1 crore women linked to income-generating activities across the state.
While the rise in participation doesn’t yet match parity benchmarks, analysts note that the consistent upward trend signals deeper economic inclusion. The challenge ahead lies in ensuring that rising numbers translate into sustained, equitable, and quality employment for women across all income levels and geographies.
